Scripture
Ephesians 2:10
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Observation
In this passage of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul wrote about the overwhelming grace of God. It is through His grace that every person is saved. No one can do anything to bring about their salvation. God gives the gift of salvation to anyone who asks Him. In addition, He gives us other gifts for we are the work of His hands, each one of us shaped by Him; each one of us with a role to play in the accomplishment of His plan for the world, and all we need to fulfil that role.
The word Paul used for ‘workmanship’ is ‘poiema’, which is similar to the English word poem. To write a poem takes a great deal of thought. It can take a long time to find just the right word (when no other word will do); it needs rhythm, a certain beat; it has meaning that can often tug at a person’s emotions, which prose may not accomplish. A poem is not something that is achieved quickly, easily. Every person who ever exists is a ‘poiema’ whom God has made. One Bible version translates this word as a ‘work of art’.
The love of God transforms all those who will accept it. It meets us at the place where we find ourselves when we accept His love. It takes us to the place we need to be to fulfil the role that is His plan for every individual person.
This transformation results in good works. Whilst good works play no part in securing salvation, the Christ follower’s faith, after salvation is received, is evidenced by the good works which they undertake.
Bezalel (Exodus 36-39) is an example of how precise God’s instructions are when the task may seem to be too big for us.
Bezalel was a man whom God had gifted with wisdom, understanding, knowledge and all manner of creativity and God called him to undertake the physical building of the tabernacle and all the furniture and utensils it contained. God gave him specific instructions on each item He wanted him to make and Bezalel followed them precisely.
This practical work Bezalel and his helpers undertook included working with many different materials. For example, God gave specific instructions to Bezalel on how to make:
- The Ark of the Covenant out of wood overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-15)
- The golden lampstand of pure gold (Exodus 25:31-40)
- The curtains hanging around the southern part of the tabernacle of fine linen, with bronze and silver attachments (Exodus 27:9-19)
- The garments for the priests made of finely woven linen and adorned with polished precious gemstones (Exodus 28:5-43).
Nothing was left to Bezalel’s imagination. God told him exactly what to do to fulfil his purpose in life and accomplish God’s plan for His people. When Bezalel and his team of helpers had finished, Moses went to inspect the work. When the writer of Exodus relates Moses’ reaction to the finished work he says simply ‘So Moses blessed them.’ (Exodus 39:43)
A Christ-follower should never forget that all their skills, talents and abilities are God-given gifts to be used for His glory.
Icebreaker:
What do you do on a regular basis that took the most effort, the longest time, the greatest concentration to accomplish? How did you feel when you knew, at last, that you were able to do this task/work successfully? Why was it so important for you to learn how to do it?
Application
- Have you ever written a poem or a rhyme? The object of this exercise is to show what effort it takes to write a poem. Take these words and make up a following line that rhymes and has the same rhythm/beat: As I wandered in the sunshine by the lake …
- How did you feel as you did this? Now consider your own self – the physical, emotional, spiritual elements that comprise who you are. What does this brief exercise say to you when you think of yourself as a poiema, made by God?
- What do you do for God that fulfills your purpose and His plan for your life? Why do you do this? How do you know this is His work? Is it easy – or a challenge? How much do you have to rely on Him to accomplish this?
- Can you see that your abilities come from God and make you who you are? Can you see that using them brings Him glory? Share any struggles you may have with the group and agree to pray about such struggles at the end of the session. Hold one another in prayer regarding these struggles during the coming week.
- What skills have you learned that you use without recognising God’s purpose for you in them? What difference would it make to you if you commit such skills to God and use them for His glory? How would it change the way you make a child’s bed; or send an email; or play golf with friends; or do any other task, committing such tasks to God? Will you do this? Why/why not?
- How do the skills and abilities you have make you feel when you undertake them? How do they fit into your life purpose? How do you feel as you understand that you are the only piece in the jigsaw who can accomplish such a purpose for God – in all of time?
- How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group. Hold one another in prayer over the struggles that have been shared in this session until you meet again.
Service
Assess your abilities and have fun as you do so:
– Take stock of them
– Evaluate them – what do you do well?
– Ask for feedback
Sharpen your abilities:
– Use them for God’s glory
– Prayerfully consider where you fit in God’s plan
Accept that you are:
– Unique
– Irreplaceable
– Necessary.
Use one of your abilities for the glory of God and the building up of His Kingdom this week. Report back to one another how this exercise unfolded in your life when you meet again.
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